συμφύω

I grow at the same time

Definition

The verb συμφύω means 'to grow together' or 'to spring up together.' It describes plants or vegetation that emerge and develop simultaneously, often in close proximity. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Luke 8:7, it specifically refers to thorns that grew up alongside the seed in the Parable of the Sower, choking it. The word emphasizes concurrent growth, typically implying a competitive or detrimental relationship when used in agricultural contexts, as one growth hinders another.

Biblical Usage

Συμφύω is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 8:7. It appears in Jesus's Parable of the Sower, describing how thorns 'grew up together with' the good seed and choked it. This usage is purely agricultural and metaphorical, illustrating how worldly cares can overwhelm spiritual growth. The context is a narrative parable told by Jesus, recorded only in Luke's Gospel.

Etymology

Συμφύω is a compound verb from the preposition σύν (syn), meaning 'with' or 'together,' and the verb φύω (phyō), meaning 'to bring forth,' 'to grow,' or 'to spring up.' Literally, it means 'to grow together.' Its root is related to φύσις (physis, 'nature') and φυτόν (phyton, 'plant'), emphasizing natural, organic growth.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, συμφύω holds theological significance within the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4-15). It vividly illustrates the spiritual danger of allowing worldly concerns ('thorns') to grow concurrently with and ultimately choke the 'word of God' in a person's heart. Understanding this Greek term enriches the parable by highlighting the active, competitive process by which spiritual life can be suffocated, urging believers to cultivate single-minded devotion.

In an agrarian society, the image of thorns growing alongside crops was a familiar and potent symbol of futility and lost labor. Listeners would instantly recognize the struggle and the need for constant weeding. The word captures a concrete, everyday reality that Jesus used to teach a spiritual lesson about the heart's condition and the battle for spiritual fruitfulness.

αὐξάνω (auxanō, G837) — a more general term for 'to grow' or 'increase,' without the 'together' connotation. βλαστάνω (blastanō, G985) — means 'to sprout' or 'to bud,' focusing on the initial emergence of growth.

Word Details

Scripture References